After a wonky 2020, Amazon Prime Day got pushed back a few months due to the pandemic. The good news is that the 2021 version is back on schedule and planned for June 21st and 22nd. It actually should be called “Prime Days” as the event expanded to 2 shopping days and that trend continues this year. Here’s everything you need to know, the best deals to be had, and the ones to avoid. I hope this info helps you navigate the shopping event better this year.

How Long Will “Prime Day” Last?

48 hours to be exact.

Prime Day will run from June 21 – 22, 2021 and is only for Prime members.

That’s 48 long hours to take advantage of flash deals that will only last for a limited time frame.

If you’ve never tried Amazon Prime, you can get a 30-day free trial starting now and check out Prime Day when it rolls around.

Your best bet is to start your trial right before Prime Day so you can take advantage of the free 2-day shipping and other Prime benefits all the way through the Christmas shopping season.

See Also: Amazon No Longer Offers 2-Day Prime Shipping (Here’s What To Do About It)

What Deals Are Being Anticipated?

If history repeats itself, the best deals will be on Amazon smart home devices like the Echo and Echo Dot, as well as a plethora of bargains on smart thermostats, smart plugs, smart HDTVs, and robotic vacuums.

Depending on what you’re shopping for, the deals will be hit-and-miss.

As always, I only recommend buying an item in instances where you’d buy it regardless of Prime Day.

Bonus Tip: For even extra savings, consider opening an Amazon Rewards Signature Visa and score unlimited 3% cash back on all your Amazon and Whole Foods purchases moving forward.

If you want more information, Money Crashers did a thorough review of the card recently that’s worth checking out.

See Also: 9 Amazon Prime Benefits You’re Probably Not Using

What Will Be the Best Deals?

– Smart Home Stuff – Prime Day will definitely compete with Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of the best time to buy “smart home” products.

Look for savings in the 30-50% off range on smart TV’s, smart speakers, smart thermostats, robotic vacuums, and smart plugs.

– “Amazon Basics” Items – Look for Amazon to really push deals on their “in-house” brand Amazon Basics on Prime Day.

The savings on many of these items is rumored to be in the 40-60% off range.

Here are some early deals to give you an idea of what to anticipate…

1. Save $70 OFF the Fire TV Edition. Get the Toshiba 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV Edition for $129.99.
2. Save $100 OFF the 43″ Insignia 4K Fire TV Edition. Get it for only for $219.99.
3. Amazon Echo Dot 2-Pack for $49.98 (Regularly $89.98)
4. Echo Show 5 (1st Generation) for $44.99 (Regularly $79.88)
5. Get 4-months of Amazon Music Unlimited FREE with select Echo Devices.

See Also: 6 Brilliantly Slick Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free

What “Deals” Should Be Avoided?

– Bundled Items – Amazon is notorious for bundling products and accessories to make the savings look irresistible.

Keep this trick in mind and only buy if you actually need all of the items otherwise it usually makes more sense, in terms of saving, to buy the product by itself.

Products that most often come bundled include DSLR Cameras, Mavic Drones, and gaming systems from Xbox and PlayStation.

– Last Year’s Electronics – Amazon is notorious for selling last year’s model HDTVs, cameras, laptops, and home theater products on Prime Day and making them look like a great deal.

Be aware that last year’s models often don’t have all the features you want.

This is fine for many, but make sure you’re getting the exact features you want before you make the purchase on Prime Day.

Think about things like picture quality, HDMI ports, hard drive size, memory, and expandability.

Will Whole Foods Have Prime Day Deals?

They had deals last year so I’m sure Amazon owned Whole Foods will again participate.

In 2019, they offered Amazon credit card holders 2x the reward points during “Prime Day” week.

Also, look for specific discounts on groceries at Whole Foods that will coincide with the event.

But most importantly, look for a $10 Amazon credit to use on Prime Day. You’ll only have to spend $10 at your local Whole Foods to score the free $10.

Will Other Retailers Participate?

Yes, Target and Walmart both did last year and I’m sure they will again in 2021.

Walmart has already announced “Discount Days” from June 20 -23 to compete directly with Prime Day.

Target offered something called “Deal Days” to parallel Amazon and they will probably do something again this year.

These stores tend to discount the same type of items as Amazon so look for deals on electronics, kitchen appliances, clothing, toys, laptops and more.

This is a great way to quasi take advantage of Prime Day and never have to pay a cent to Mr. Bezos or Amazon.

Takeaway: Be sure to price compare Target and Walmart on these days to make sure you’re getting the BEST DEAL possible.

Ask the Reader: What, if anything, will you be shopping for on Prime Day?

By Kyle James

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.